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Psoriasis is known as a skin condition, but it actually takes root beneath the skin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Barbara Griffin, NMD, CNC, Certified Gluten Practitioner and Director, Vital Health, Inc., explained. “The immune system’s job is to protect the body by destroying viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. In a person who has psoriasis, the immune system ‘misfires’ resulting in inflammation and an accelerated growth of skin cells.”

In order to effectively manage psoriasis and minimize flare-ups, controlling chronic inflammation is the body is critical. Being proactive by identifying food allergies, adhering to a healthy diet, incorporating an exercise regime, and supporting the body with nutritional supplements can go a long way in managing psoriasis.

Identifying Food Allergies Is Critical
The EVA screening offered by Vital Health, Inc. provides a non-invasive pain-free tool in identifying sensitivities to over 300 foods and environmental allergens. Because what an individual eats often affects the skin, the EVA screening provides a powerful first step in identifying what underlining food sensitivities could be triggering the inflammatory response in the skin. Dairy, wheat/gluten, and citrus are among the most common food triggers.

Dr. Griffin explained, “When we remove the foods that are causing a reaction and add nutritional supplements that heal the gut and support the body, over time it becomes easier for the gut to keep the inflammatory proteins out of the blood. The body’s immune system can return to normal functioning. As chronic inflammation levels begin to subside, so too will psoriasis symptoms.”

Importance Of A Gluten Free Diet
Research indicates that a gluten-free diet can help improve the disease.(1) A gluten allergy means that the body forms antigens in response to the protein, activating an immune system response and possibly also spurring on any autoimmune disorder, such as psoriasis. Gluten is found in bread, pasta, crackers and other, baked goods made from wheat, barley, or rye. Less obvious are processed foods, from lunchmeats to salad dressings, which can also contain this potentially problematic protein.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Many foods have been associated with increasing inflammation. Simple changes in how an individual eats can help counteract chronic inflammation, a root cause of many serious diseases. Foods associated with inflammation should be avoided. The diet’s foundation is built upon lower glycemic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats from cold water fish, those rich in Omega 3s and beans and legumes that are rich in folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Dr. Andrew Weil has developed an Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid that provides a good illustration of what an individual’s diet should consist of when implementing this proven step in preventative care. (2)

Because psoriasis is a disease triggered by chronic inflammation in the body, it can also pose a problem for the heart. People with psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. (3) Additionally chronic inflammation is also associated with lupus, celiac disease, arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases.

Support The Body With Vitamins and Supplements
Individuals with psoriasis are often deficient in several vitamins. Adding the necessary vitamins and supplements can play a role in reducing symptoms and psoriasis flare-ups.

1. Vitamin D deficiency is common in individuals with psoriasis. (4) Vitamin D can be found in many food sources, mid-day exposure to sunlight and through the form of supplements.
2. Vitamin B 12 deficiency has been linked to psoriasis. (5) Folate is a general term for a family of structurally and functionally related water-soluble B vitamins. However some individuals do not effectively convert folic acid into its active form, thus they are still at risk of deficiency. Dr. Griffin explained, “L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the predominate form of folate. L-5-MTHF is a reduced, metabolically active form of folate that occurs naturally in foods and is the primary form of folate found in the blood and tissues. As a result, it is far more effective for people who have or are prone to a folic acid deficiency.” Dietary supplements MethylFolate and Methyl-B-12 Lozenge are available through the VitalEssence supplement line offered at Vital Health, Inc.
3. Probiotics play a critical role in maintaining gut health. The health of the gut and skin are linked. It is important to look for a multi-strain probiotic.
4. Colostrum can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn will help reduce psoriasis symptoms. Colostrum contains antibodies to boost the immune system. Many individuals with psoriasis are IgA deficient so Vitamin A, along with colostrum can be beneficial.
Before starting any new nutritional regime Vital Health, Inc. recommends consulting with their primary physician.